Booking
The Journey: from e-mail to Photos
Where do I start?
Email me at create.mercedeszapata@gmail.com and let me know why you are looking to book a photo session.
For example:
Do you need author photos?
Do you need headshots?
Are you celebrating/ documenting yourself?
Are you looking to celebrate your birthday?
Is this a special occasion?
Please give me as much information as you can or a phone number to reach you at.
Location: I work out of a studio in Boyle Heights. Exact address to be given upon booking.
Selecting colors:
Sometimes clients have specific colors in mind when deciding to have a photo session or they’ll have a favorite outfit and we choose colors that will complement it.
More often than not, clients have me choose. I base this off a conversation with you about what is inspiring you, what do you love about yourself, what do you want to celebrate, what do you want to feel during your session, and how do you want to be perceived?
I’ll suggest what colors I feel emulate your essence and what your goal is & you can choose if that fits.
What about the set?:
The art of draping and layering fabrics comes with years of experience. This art is a meticulous process that requires planning. I select fabrics that create a harmonious color palette and that balance out how much light is reflected back at the camera. It requires hours of steaming and then hours of arranging the fabric. This looks like me getting up and down a ladder many times, moving it about, and doing so until all the fabric is perfectly placed. I also set up all my own lighting and take down my sets as well.
My specialty is making sure that the set design is luxurious and decadent but does not overshadow you, the focus. Instead, I interpret the draping as an altar to honor you. I am here to document you as you are, right now at this moment.
If you’d like to enhance your photos with florals and greenery, they are an optional add on. These are also chosen with intention. I take into account if there are flowers that have significance to you, your story, your culture, and your color palette. I also select flowers that bring on the energy that you’re trying to channel, whether that be calm, sensual, or powerful, etc.
Lighting: My career centers People of Color. I pride myself in knowing how to light every skin shade.
Your Session: Expect sessions to be an hour to two hours, on average, 1.5 hours. Photography allows me to collaborate in a way that is vulnerable and memorable. I deeply care for the people I photograph and it is such an honor to be trusted with their depiction. Being photographed is not necessarily easy. It can take a lot of mental preparation and even with that, on the day of, you might feel some uneasiness. My hope is that by being in conversation with me, we can get you to feel not only comfortable but powerful. If you have any specific music you’d like to listen to, just let me know. Otherwise, I’ll play music, maybe light some incense, and we will create together.
Posing:
When it comes to posing, I keep the movement as natural as I can. I don’t want you to be thinking too much about your angles or what your body is doing. I’ll gently direct you if needed.
Processing & Delivery:
Editing is a lengthy process and it’s done while keeping the essence of who you are and how you want to be portrayed.
Upon selecting your best photos, I edit them and then upload them into a dropbox folder and send you a link to access them. From there, you can download the photographs.
You will receive 10 edited photos at or within two weeks from the date of your session.
Editing:
Sometimes, skin can be unpredictable- especially if you’re nervous for your photoshoot. If you have any sudden pimples and you’re feeling self conscious about it, just let me know. If you left a tag on your clothing and it's visible, or perhaps a stain is spotted, I will edit that out. However, I will not edit physical characteristics out or remove texture from your skin. It is against my artistic ethics of celebrating you as you are.
Having your photo taken is a practice of self acceptance. We are so fast to point out all of our “imperfections" and yet other people always see the most beautiful and memorable things about you. When I take anyone’s photo, if they’re not a professional model or actor, they’re at least a little bit nervous or self conscious and I totally get that. It is a common experience that many go through. I’ve been in front of the camera for other photographers and take self portraits and it is easy to get lost in picking at myself. I implore you to be gentle with yourself and to love all the best things about you. Sometimes it takes us some time to really appreciate how we look and present to the world outside of our selfies. I’m here to encourage you!
Pricing:
This is the most asked about when I asked on Instagram what is intimidating about booking photographers. I know it can be intimidating to ask for rates and to anticipate what the cost might be. I don’t want you to ever feel like you cannot be in conversation with me. There is no need to feel any guilt or shame when asking for clarity on pricing or payment plans.
In the past, I have based my rate on what the session required per case. But since plans often changed by the day of the session, I would be working at less than 25% of the rate I should have charged. It led to burn out and not having enough to afford my basic necessities. Planning prior and paying the deposit allows me to handle logistics like hiring assistance if needed.
My hope is that by having a transparent and set rate for the year, we can plan accordingly and hopefully reduce all of our anxieties.
Pricing reflects my experience, the market rate, a living wage, overhead, software, supplies, and also the amount of labor each photoshoot requires. Should you have a very elaborate shoot in mind that would require multiple looks or sets, we will have to discuss what that rate would be considering assistance for lighting and overall set care.
For individuals/ couples:
My starting rate in 2024 is $1,200 for a photoshoot.
Florals are an additional amount that you decide on. Should you want more than one look or multiple sets, we can discuss this and add on prior to our session.
A 50% deposit is required to book. The second payment is to be paid in full prior to the date of the portrait session.
Payment is accepted via electronic payment. Cash accepted for the second half of payment.
Payment is non-refundable.
Photo sessions are an investment. I have many years of experience that I bring to the session & deliver stunning photographs. I’ll go into details of the planning of & what happens during & after each session below.
If this is outside your immediate budget, we can discuss personalized payment plans. It is my goal to be accessible to working class folk and marginalized people while also making a living wage myself.
Let’s talk! I’d love to get on a call with you.
For businesses, record labels, nonprofits, etc please contact me at create.mercedeszapata@gmail.com with details of what you’re looking for and your working budget.